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The defensive rock: Jerome Boateng

Enjoying pride of place in front of world football's undisputed no.1 stands the steeliest Bundesliga strut in the business, Jerome Boateng. The burly 27-year-old centre-back has been at his impregnable best of late and should prove more than a match for France's in-form centre-forward Olivier Giroud, while his impeccable ball-playing skills - he sits third in the attempted passes table on 411 - will give his opposite numbers plenty to think about.

Germany have conceded just once at Euro 2016 with Jerome Boateng at the heart of the defence.

The fearless rookie: Joshua Kimmich

Giroud will look to the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet for support, but they will not have it any easier in the final third. Bayern's Joshua Kimmich has proven a revelation at right-back for Germany and has even earned comparisons with World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm on account of his no-frills defending and frequent forays into opposition territory. Only Vieirinha (23), Jonas Hector (30) and Darijo Srna (32) have put more crosses into the box than the exceptionally malleable 21-year-old (21).

Joshua Kimmich has started the world champions' last three matches at right-back.

The unsung hero: Jonas Hector

Hector's versatility has also served Germany head coach Joachim Löw exceedingly well. The 1. FC Köln representative has flourished up and down the left-hand side, and was one of the standout players on the pitch in the last-eight clash with Italy, setting up the opening goal for Mesut Özil and scoring the winning spot-kick in a heart-stopping penalty shootout.

Köln left-sider Jonas Hector (r.) is one of the first names on Joachim Löw's teamsheet.

The space invader with a point to prove: Thomas Müller

While Germany's newcomers share the plaudits, fans are still waiting for ever-present Bayern forward Thomas Müller to arrive. He has had four shots on target in France, sent seven wide and struck the woodwork twice, but his wait for a first European Championship goal goes on. With Die Mannschaft's only nominal striker Mario Gomez ruled out for the remainder of tournament through injury, the added responsibility could finally see the quirky Raumdeuter break his duck at the eleventh attempt. France's suspect back line are in for a rough ride in any case.

Thomas Müller is 783 European championship minutes and counting without a goal.